So a close friend of mine recently sent me a pic of what he thought was a 4 door FJ40, and to my amazement, what I saw was an FJ45LV. I have seen some amazing examples here on mud(buckroseau) and have also read a decent amount about the hardships with single-circuit brakes, sheet metal reproduction, and various other things, but I, simply put, love these rigs, and would do a lot to own one. So here's my predicament, and any info, feedback, or input would be greatly appreciated.
I had my friend talk to the owner to at least figure out if he was willing to sell, and he is. The price is a steal. The rig is super rough. It has been sitting in a blackberry patch for quite some time. I haven't been able to go look at it myself due to scheduling problems. From what my friend could tell me from his quick glance, it has no engine, tranny, or transfer case, axles are all there, body is caked in dirt, and the interior is about 1/2 there. Of course I will see this rig myself before making any kind of offer, because from my readings, these things can hide a lot of problems. I have never undertaken much body work myself, but know my way around mechanical components. I am currently building my 78 FJ40, and recently bought a set of FJ60 axles for the extra width to go under that, so I was thinking about upgrading the LV axles using my 40's with stock discs up front and keeping the drums in rear, or maybe running Poser's rear disc kit. Is this a direct swap as far as perch width, etc. goes? Is there anything else in particular I should look for as far as big issues? I plan on getting grubby and inspecting this thing from top to bottom when I get out there, but some input would help with specifics.
So here is where the purists should stop... ;p I completely understand and respect the fact that these are rare and amazing rigs with an F motor, 3 speed, etc. but I am considering the possibility of developing this into a tow rig for my 40, which will be about 1/2 time drive to trails and 1/2 trailer queen. I am thinking about trying to find a Cummins 6.7L with an auto tranny to swap in. I love the Cummins motors, and have always thought about how badass it would be to swap one into a cruiser, let alone be pulling one cruiser with another Cummins powered cruiser. I will be going with a Vortec 5.3, 4L80E, Atlas in the cruiser, so I will also have the 2f, H42, 4 speed case out of that for a possible drivetrain, but I don't think that will do the job towing.
So I would love to hear any and all from the crowd, and I am expecting to get the typical purist responses, so have at it. Some specifics I would like to get feedback on:
-Cummins swap? Good, bad, impossible...?
-Tow rig? Will I be able to reinforce the frame enough to tow a 15 ft trailer with a pretty heavy FJ40 on it, and will the axles, springs, etc. hold up?
-SOA/SUA? Not sure which would be better for a tow rig really
-Ideal rear suspension setup for towing? Leafs, Coilovers, Coils w/Airbags?
-If it's not feasible for me once I take a look at it, would it be worth it to buy and part out?
Thanks in advance guys. Hope to be joining the 45 club soon, one way or another...
Brian
I had my friend talk to the owner to at least figure out if he was willing to sell, and he is. The price is a steal. The rig is super rough. It has been sitting in a blackberry patch for quite some time. I haven't been able to go look at it myself due to scheduling problems. From what my friend could tell me from his quick glance, it has no engine, tranny, or transfer case, axles are all there, body is caked in dirt, and the interior is about 1/2 there. Of course I will see this rig myself before making any kind of offer, because from my readings, these things can hide a lot of problems. I have never undertaken much body work myself, but know my way around mechanical components. I am currently building my 78 FJ40, and recently bought a set of FJ60 axles for the extra width to go under that, so I was thinking about upgrading the LV axles using my 40's with stock discs up front and keeping the drums in rear, or maybe running Poser's rear disc kit. Is this a direct swap as far as perch width, etc. goes? Is there anything else in particular I should look for as far as big issues? I plan on getting grubby and inspecting this thing from top to bottom when I get out there, but some input would help with specifics.
So here is where the purists should stop... ;p I completely understand and respect the fact that these are rare and amazing rigs with an F motor, 3 speed, etc. but I am considering the possibility of developing this into a tow rig for my 40, which will be about 1/2 time drive to trails and 1/2 trailer queen. I am thinking about trying to find a Cummins 6.7L with an auto tranny to swap in. I love the Cummins motors, and have always thought about how badass it would be to swap one into a cruiser, let alone be pulling one cruiser with another Cummins powered cruiser. I will be going with a Vortec 5.3, 4L80E, Atlas in the cruiser, so I will also have the 2f, H42, 4 speed case out of that for a possible drivetrain, but I don't think that will do the job towing.
So I would love to hear any and all from the crowd, and I am expecting to get the typical purist responses, so have at it. Some specifics I would like to get feedback on:
-Cummins swap? Good, bad, impossible...?
-Tow rig? Will I be able to reinforce the frame enough to tow a 15 ft trailer with a pretty heavy FJ40 on it, and will the axles, springs, etc. hold up?
-SOA/SUA? Not sure which would be better for a tow rig really
-Ideal rear suspension setup for towing? Leafs, Coilovers, Coils w/Airbags?
-If it's not feasible for me once I take a look at it, would it be worth it to buy and part out?
Thanks in advance guys. Hope to be joining the 45 club soon, one way or another...
Brian
